Holiday Celebrations with Search

Everyone deserves a holiday season full of joy, and at Search, that joy begins with listening. Each year, every person supported is asked how they want to celebrate the holidays. Their answers shape the entire season, ensuring celebrations reflect individual interests rather than a single planned event for everyone. 

Once preferences are gathered, our Community Integration Coordinator Jennifer Gledhill brings those ideas to life. Working closely with house staff, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and transportation teams, she carefully coordinates schedules and logistics so each person can attend the events they are most excited about. This thoughtful planning creates a holiday experience that is truly personal and rooted in choice, giving people meaningful control over how they spend their time. 

“We want to meet everyone where they are and create a memorable experience for each person. We craft an experience that has something for everyone that is both appropriate and exciting for every person we support. Everyone deserves an awesome holiday and New Year’s bash, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do,” Jennifer shared. 

This year, the holiday season is filled with opportunities to experience live performance music and shared celebrations. People are attending theater shows, including Finding Nemo, Annie, A Christmas Carol, Sister Act and Cirque du Soleil. Several homes will also enjoy live music closer to home, including a classical violinist and other musical performances at our Mount Prospect site. 

Festive outings continue with group lunches, including a trip to Rivers Casino and a celebratory banquet lunch held at the Sheraton Suites O’Hare. The banquet lunch will include a DJ and a Michael Jackson impersonator, creating a high-energy space for dancing and celebration. Additional festivities include an outing to Tiki Terrace to ring in the season. 

Thanks to the generous support of our community and partners, Search is able to provide a full and lively holiday season for the 375 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities we support. From theater performances and festive lunches to live music and shared celebrations, these moments offer more than entertainment. They create connection, belonging and joy for all involved. 

This sense of connection is especially important as studies show that many people with intellectual disabilities experience chronic loneliness (Gilmore & Cuskelly). At Search, our programs tell a different story. In the most recent fiscal year, every resident reported having the support they needed to build and maintain friendships. Holiday events are one of the many ways we ensure no one is left out during this festive season. 

At Search, the holidays are not about checking off a calendar of events. They are about honoring individual voices, building community and making sure everyone can celebrate in a way that feels meaningful to them. 

Follow along on our Facebook page to see all of the festive photos!